Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
The NHTSA Is Investigating 1.7 Million Ford Vehicles That Might Have Faulty Brake Lines
1.7 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles are being investigated by the NHTSA over faulty brake lines. The issue appears to only apply to Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars built between 2014–2018, with 50 vehicles reported to have been affected by the problem. The NHTSA says that many of the complaints allege that the “brake hoses are rupturing, leaking brake fluid and occurring with little to no warning.”
Mass Produced BMW Hydrogen Vehicles Could Be Here As Soon As 2025 With Help From Toyota
A report suggests that a mass-market hydrogen-powered BMW could be here within a few years, jointly developed with Toyota. The Japanese giant’s experience in building the Mirai could be key to fast-tracking a production hydrogen BMW, with the first of a possible three models likely being an SUV. BMW may see it as a way of overcoming the challenges presented with pure EVs, especially in regions where charging infrastructure is lacking.
Volkswagen Patents ID. Buzz Pickup Truck Design
Does a pickup version of Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz tickle your fancy? It turns out that a patent application for such a thing was filed in April, at the same time that the VW Group’s Twitter account showcased it as an “unseen draft.” While there’s no guarantee that a UTE-ified ID. Buzz would become a reality, VW has shown interest in creating an electric pickup in the past.
What’s The Ugliest American Car Ever Made?
While America has produced some genuinely gorgeous automotive machinery in the past, there have undoubtedly been some uggos too. However, while we can hear you in the comments getting the pitchforks ready for the Aztec, we’re not sure it’s the worst offender. How about the first-generation Jeep Compass or the Youabian Puma? AMC Pacer? Gremlin? Or even the Mustang II? Let us know your thoughts!
2023 BMW X5 M Shows A Little More Grille While Testing At The Nurburgring
The facelifted BMW X5 M has been spied for the first time in months and reveals just a little bit more about the visual tweaks to the performance SUV. The most significant change on its way appears to be the grilles. Thankfully, they don’t look like they’re grown in size but will instead be farther apart and have vertical slats.
Watch The Dramatic Moment A Small Plane Crashed Into Traffic On Californian Highway
A rear-facing dashcam captured the dramatic moment a small plane made an emergency landing on the 91 Freeway in California. Despite the plane bursting into flames after a truck was hit, tragedy was averted, with neither the pilot, his passengers, nor those in the truck being injured.
What Else Is Making The News
Stoffel Vandoorne Crowned Formula E World Champion
Stoffel Vandoorne clinched the 2021-22 Formula E World Champion, finishing second in the Seoul E-Prix. After Nyck de Vries won last season, it marks the second driver’s crown for Mercedes in the series — a fitting parting gift as the team exits the sport ahead of McLaren taking over their Formula E operation.
Uber To Shut Down Loyalty Program In Favor Of Subscription Model
Ride-hailing platform Uber will be ditching its free loyalty program that allows users to take advantage of points for each ride or transaction made. Instead, the app is moving towards Uber One, a $9.99 per month ($99.99 annual) subscription that will offer perks such as 5 percent off rides or $0 delivery fees, reports TechCrunch.